Both Owdziej and Van den Bergh said their election success was the culmination of the efforts of the large teams they built to support them.

“People have been so kind, so many people have been helping me and supporting me,” Owdziej said.

“You feel pressure because you want it for yourself but you want it for all these people working with you and supporting you as well. It’s a big relief.”

The two also said they plan to continue with the same messages that got them this far in the election. Van den Bergh, 43, said she plans to continue her grassroots campaigning efforts and has consistently stated that she wants to bring a new perspective to the court and not represent the status quo.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to develop programs that really address the systemic issues that affect people such as poverty or mental health,” she said.

“Frankly I think that I bring something new to the court and something that will help bring the court into the 21st century.”

Owdziej, 51, was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to fill the seat vacated by Nancy Wheeler in June. She continued to note her experience as both a referee and a Probate Court judge for the past few months.

“I’ve given the last 24 years to this county and the families in this county,” she said. “I’ve worked really hard to get where I am and I appreciate that a lot of people have been backing me and think I’m the best person for the job.”

Owdziej and Van den Bergh will compete in a nonpartisan runoff in the Nov. 4 general election.

Ben Freed is a general assignments reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Email him at benfreed@mlive.com and follow him on twitter at @BFreedinA2. He also answers the phone at 734-623-2528.